Gentrified: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'gentrified' derives from the word 'gentry,' which in Middle English referred to the nobility or upper class. The concept began to gain notoriety in the 1960s when sociologist Ruth Glass used it to describe the changes occurring in London's Islington district. She noted the transformation of working-class neighborhoods as more affluent individuals moved in, thus leading to the displacement of long-term residents. Over the decades, 'gentrification' became a key notion in urban studies and sociology, referring not just to physical improvements and aesthetic enhancements but also to the social consequences that accompany such demographic shifts. As cities underwent significant economic shifts, gentrification emerged as a double-edged sword, offering revitalization and opportunities while simultaneously posing challenges for existing communities and cultural heritages.

Ranking #37,720, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 37720 gentrified
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